Computer Science/Software Engineer Intern, Summer 2025

Does that thought of real-world experience through a paid internship excite you? Do you want to do more than the afternoon coffee run and filing? Do you want to develop your business, technical, and leadership skills with an organization that prides itself on student success? Do you want to be on a team that crafts opportunities and provides life changing experiences for the K-12 students it serves?

These internship opportunities are as strong and dynamic as ever, as FIRST^® creates the people who will change the world – today and tomorrow!

What We Offer
We offer more than just an internship; we offer an opportunity to contribute to a future where young people are equipped to tackle the world's most pressing challenges. You'll join a dynamic team that embodies the spirit of collaboration and celebrates collective success – a reflection of the very essence of FIRST^®. Immerse yourself in a fast-paced, exciting, and rewarding environment where you'll witness firsthand the transformative power of FIRST's programs, gaining invaluable experience alongside talented individuals dedicated to empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders. At the end of your internship, you'll not only have gained valuable skills but also the satisfaction of knowing you've played a vital role in inspiring the future.

The hourly pay rate for this position is determined by the most recent academic year completed.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Who You Are
You are a motivated college student currently enrolled in, or a recent graduate of, an accredited college/university pursuing a degree in a computer science or software engineering discipline. You possess a natural curiosity and a passion for continuous learning, eager to develop your design, testing, and process improvement skills within a real-world engineering environment. More than just technical skills, you embrace the spirit of Gracious Professionalism®, demonstrating exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities. You understand that effective collaboration and respectful dialogue are crucial for achieving meaningful progress.

What You will Do

• Research and Evaluate Emerging AI Technologies: Stay at the forefront of AI advancements by researching and experimenting with the latest tools, techniques, and platforms, identifying opportunities to enhance the capabilities and impact of AI within the FIRST Tech Challenge ecosystem.
• Craft User-Friendly AI Tools and Processes: Collaborate with FIRST Tech Challenge engineering staff, FTC Tech Team, and other community members to design intuitive, accessible software tools and processes that enable teams to easily integrate and leverage AI in their robot designs and competition strategies.
• Explore and Evaluate Generative AI Models for Code Generation: Research and experiment with various generative AI models (e.g., large language models, code generation tools) to assess their potential for automatically generating code snippets, libraries, or even complete OpModes tailored for FIRST Tech Challenge robots.
• Design and Implement Evaluation Metrics for AI-Generated Code: Develop robust metrics and methodologies for evaluating the quality, performance, and maintainability of code produced by generative AI models, ensuring that the resulting code meets the stringent requirements of FIRST Tech Challenge competitions and aligns with best practices in software engineering.

What We Expect
We seek a passionate individual driven to advance STEM education and empower the next generation, with the following:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree program, or a recent graduate, majoring in computer science or software engineering discipline
• Experience in research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations
• High attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks
• Excellent verbal and written communication, with proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 tools
• Proficiency in Python and Java, with a firm understanding of basic data structures and syntax of both, including Object Oriented Programming (OOP) and basic algorithms
• FIRST Alumni status is a significant asset, demonstrating understanding of our mission, values, and programs

Commitment to FIRST® Core Values:

Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.

Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.

Impact:  We apply what we learn to improve our world.

Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.

Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.

Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!

Thriving on our core values, celebrating the uniqueness of our employees and committed to inclusion. Proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

By submitting my application, I certify that the information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false statements or omissions may result in disqualification from employment or, if employed, termination.

I acknowledge that FIRST may conduct a comprehensive background check as part of the hiring process. This may include, but is not limited to, verification of my employment history, education, professional credentials, employment references, and a review of prior involvement with FIRST in an employment or volunteer capacity.

I further acknowledge that if I receive a conditional offer of employment, my employment status remains contingent upon the results of a criminal records check, and that the findings may affect my eligibility for employment. Additionally, for certain positions where job responsibilities warrant it, FIRST may conduct a credit check as part of the background screening process, in compliance with applicable laws.

FIRST takes your privacy seriously, and we are dedicated to protecting the confidentiality of your personal data. If you apply for a position at FIRST, we will collect, process, and store your personal data, such as your name, contact information, and application materials, to comply with our regulatory and legal obligations. FIRST will retain employment records, including employment applications, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.